Leasing a New Audi A1 Has Long Term Benefits

First seen in the UK in November 2010, Audi branch back out into the supermini class with the fantastic A1 after ditching the A2 in 2005 due to low sales. This was a surprise as the A2 was a great little car which won critical acclaim but failed to win over buyers. Whether it was the price or not hasn’t seemed to affect Audis’ pricing as list prices are still high for this segment. The best way to get one is some form of car finance.

Production of the A1 is at the Audi factory in Vorst in Belgium. It has the same platform as used in the SEAT Ibiza Mk4 and the VW Polo Mk5 from the same family group.

However, the competition is stiff. The A1 needs to compete with the Mini and the Alfa Romeo Mito, both good looking cars with credentials to back them up, and the Mini especially having a large, loyal fan base. Audi are putting out some quality cars nowadays, this A1 is no exception and has managed to scoop The What Car? Car of the Year Award for 2011. Not a bad start!

There are four engines to choose from, with a new electric one coming soon.
- 1.2 TFSi with 85bhp and 118lb-ft of torque.
- 1.4 TFSi with 120bhp and 148lb-ft of torque.
- 1.4 TFSi with 182bhp and 184lb-ft of torque.
- 1.6 TDi diesel with 104bhp adn 184lb-ft of torque.

The engines are coupled to the standard manual or the option of a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG S tronic gearbox. There is a fair amount of power for a small car All have impressive economy and have good mid range pulling ability.

Prices start at £13,420 for the 1.2 TFSI SE going up to £21,800 for the 1.4T Quattro which does the 0-60 mph sprint in just 6.9 seconds and on to 140mph. Not bad for a super mini! The A1 is essentially a Polo but with better engines, a better cabin and better looks. The 1.4 that has been lauded in the Polo is amazing in the lighter A1, reaching 60 in just 8.9 seconds. Even the base 1.2 get to 60 in 11.7 seconds, which will be enough for most people. You can lease the 1.2 or diesel from just £194 per month plus vat.

With CO2 emissions from an astonishing 45 g/km for the upcoming 12kw e-tron, to 140 g/km, and tax bands from A – E, the A1 may initially have a higher price than some of it’s competitors but comes into it’s own on running costs and reliability.

Even the most basic cars come well equipped. The entry SE spec gets air conditioning, sports steering wheel, 16-inch alloys wheels and a brace of airbags. The Sport trim adds more heavily bolstered seats, 17 inch alloy wheels and stiffer suspension, while S-Line means leather seats and some aluminium trim.

If you’re considering options to buy a new car, then an Audi leasing plan may be the best option. The Audi badge is sought after second hand, and with the level of fit and finish Audi are putting out now, there is no reason for that to change.

The A1’s cabin is by far the best in its class, better than many other cars in higher classes. A lot of the parts are shared with its more expensive bigger brothers, and the quality shows.

With this economy, this level of refinement, especially in a small car, factor in the Audi’s legendary build quality and desirability and you get a sought after second hand car. All this keeps residual forecast levels high meaning you can get excellent value if you choose to lease an Audi A1.